I heard about this over at NeoGAF. It sounds like a pretty awful design flaw from a company who has been making clam shell handhelds for a long time.

  Nintendo 3DS owners are complaining of a design flaw that can leave the upper, glasses-free 3D display scratched simply by carrying the console around. According to multiple posts on Nintendo’s support forums, the clamshell design can leave the raised edges of the touchscreen rubbing against the top display; while initially the marks it leaves will rub off, some owners have found permanent scratches are been left.

The display isn’t the only aspect of the console seemingly prone to damage. Eagle-eyed owners have also spotted D-pad cracks appearing, potentially where the top section has been squeezed down onto the controls.

This is a bit old now but yea that is pretty poor. Especially seeing as it's Nintendo making the bloody thing. You would of though things like this would of been considered during development.

I see this more as a manufacturing flaw than a design flaw. I've had a 3DS a few days after launch and mine has no scratches. The only time I've had marks on the top screen is when the circlepad leaves a circle on the top screen. 

3DS since launch. 0 scratches.

Sensationalism. My launch 3ds screen is in perfect condition.

Mine is starting to get the same scratch already along the right side.. it's the bottom screen scratching the top screen and this sucks.

I purchased a screen protector for both my screens and keep the foam thingy that was packaged with the 3DS in it when it is closed, so hopefully this does not occur.

This is the price you pay for being an early adopter. You should always wait for the inevitable redesign, that is unless you're desperate to play a certain game or just have the money to burn.

This is the price you pay for being an early adopter. You should always wait for the inevitable redesign, that is unless you're desperate to play a certain game or just have the money to burn.

Lol, people bought a 3ds?

@DarkGamerOO7: You forgot the D-pad.